Be Ready for Anything: How to Use Technology to Prep for Severe Weather
- by Joe Weber - updated on 7/21/2025
When severe weather threatens, whether it's hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or blizzards, being prepared can help you protect what matters most. But today's emergency planning goes beyond flashlights and canned food. With the right technology, you can stay connected, informed, and powered up when you need it most.
At Batteries Plus, we're here to help you build a modern emergency kit that combines proven basics with smart devices, battery backups, and mobile apps to keep you and your family safe.
Key Takeaways
- Technology helps: Use weather apps, smart devices, and cloud storage to stay informed and organized.
- Stay powered up: Keep phones and home essentials running with portable power banks and lithium power stations like Goal Zero Yeti and X2Power.
- Have the basics ready: Stock up on fresh batteries, flashlights, lanterns, and a NOAA weather radio.
- Trust real experience: Many of our associates live in severe weather-prone areas and prep year-round.
- Count on us: Batteries Plus has the batteries, backup power, and advice you need to stay safe.
Why Tech Should Be Part of Your Emergency Plan
Technology makes preparing for severe weather easier than ever. Here's how:
- Stay Connected: Lithium power stations, power banks, portable generators, and fully charged batteries keep your devices running when the grid goes down.
- Stay Informed: Weather apps and NOAA radio apps send real-time alerts straight to your phone or tablet.
- Stay Organized: Digital checklists, photos of property, and reminder apps help you track supplies, expiration dates, and insurance claims so you're never caught off guard.
What to Include in a Modern Emergency Kit
Combine old-school essentials with today's smart tools:
1. Smart Weather Apps & Alerts
Download trusted weather apps that offer live storm tracking, radar maps, and emergency push notifications. Some popular options include the AccuWeather, Radarscope, and local news station apps.
Tip: Enable push notifications for severe weather alerts and make sure family members do the same.
2. Backup Power for Phones & Smart Devices
Keep portable power banks and solar chargers ready so your phone, tablet, or GPS device stays powered when the lights go out. Consider a power bank with multiple USB ports so you can charge several devices at once.
3. Backup Power for Home Essentials
Keep your most important appliances running — even during extended outages. Portable lithium power stations can power refrigerators, medical equipment, sump pumps, or other must-have devices when the grid goes down.
At Batteries Plus, we carry trusted brands like Goal Zero Yeti lithium power stations, with options ranging from 1500 to 6000 watts, as well as our own X2Power lithium power stations, available in 300 to 1500 watt sizes. Use our power station calculator or talk to one of our experts to find the right capacity for your home's needs.
Don't forget the solar panel! Solar panels are a must-have accessory to ensure that your power station stays charged when the power goes out. They are available for both X2Power and Goal Zero power stations.
4. Rechargeable Batteries & Smart Chargers
Stock up on fresh alkaline batteries for flashlights, radios, and smoke detectors — but also consider rechargeable options. A smart charger makes it easy to keep a rotation of fully charged batteries on hand.
5. Smart Lighting & Lanterns
Look for LED flashlights and lanterns with long battery life and adjustable brightness. Some models even come with built-in USB charging ports for charging on the go.
6. Smart Home Devices & Backup Systems
If you have smart home devices like a smart thermostat, security camera, or medical device, make sure you have a battery backup or portable power station to keep these essentials running through an outage.
7. Reliable Communication
When cell towers are overloaded, a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio can be your lifeline for weather updates and evacuation info.
Extra Tips: Tech Habits That Make a Big Difference
- Keep Devices Fully Charged: When severe weather is in the forecast, plug in power banks, phones, and laptops ahead of time.
- Use Cloud Storage: Back up important documents and photos digitally so you can access them from any device, anywhere.
- Set Reminders: Use your phone's calendar to remind you to test your flashlights, replace batteries, and check your emergency kit every few months.
Why Trust Batteries Plus for Your Tech-Ready Emergency Kit?
We're not just batteries — we're your power experts for every situation. Many of our associates live in severe weather-prone areas themselves, so they know what it takes to stay prepared all year long. We're here to share that real-world experience with you, whether you're gearing up for hurricane season, blizzard conditions, or unexpected storms. Stop in for:
- Reliable batteries in every size, plus rechargeable options
- Portable power banks, jump starters, and power stations
- LED flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps for hands-free light
- Expert advice on keeping your devices powered during an emergency
Our team can even help you choose the best chargers and show you how to store batteries safely so they're ready when you need them most.
Stay Powered, Stay Connected, Stay Safe
Technology makes it easier than ever to weather the storm — but only if you're prepared before the clouds roll in. Batteries Plus is here to help you build a kit that keeps you connected, informed, and in charge when the power's out.
Visit your local Batteries Plus to pick up the essentials and talk with our team. We're always ready to help you prep for the unexpected.
FAQs
Q: What's the best app for severe weather alerts?
A: Apps like AccuWeather, Radarscope, local news weather apps, and even your phone's default weather app provide reliable, real-time storm tracking and emergency alerts.
Q: How can I keep my phone charged during a power outage?
A: Invest in a high-capacity portable power bank or lithium power station and keep it fully charged. Solar chargers and car chargers are good backup options, too.
Q: Can smart home devices help during severe weather?
A: Absolutely! Smart thermostats, security cameras, and flood sensors can provide alerts and help you monitor your home — just make sure you have backup power.
Q: Can you use a power station while it's charging?
A: Yes — many lithium power stations, like our Goal Zero Yeti and X2Power models, can be used while they're plugged in and charging. This feature, called pass-through charging, lets you keep essential devices powered up even while the unit itself recharges. Always check your specific model's manual for best practices.
Be Prepared with Batteries Plus
Don't wait for the next big storm to test your plan. Visit Batteries Plus today for the batteries, backup power, and expert advice you need to keep your family or business ready for anything.